Broomfield police: Lawrence Crouch, 62, of Lakewood, held on suspicion of murder

Mary McGrath, 56, was killed at Saab repair shop Friday

FLOWERS FOR MARY: East of Sweden customers, who wished not to be identified, place flowers at the front door of the business in memory of Mary McGrath, an employee who was shot and killed at the Saab repair shop on Friday.
(
David R. Jennings
)

Lawrence Raymond Crouch
(Broomfield police)

Broomfield police said Saturday evening that Lawrence Raymond Crouch, 62, of Lakewood, is being held on suspicion of first-degree murder in the Friday shooting death of Mary McGrath, 56, at the East of Sweden Saab repair shop.

McGrath, an employee at East of Sweden, suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was rushed to an area hospital just after 2:30 p.m. Friday, where she was pronounced dead.

Aaron Gagne, a friend and spokesman for McGrath's family, issued a statement Saturday that "the close-knit circle of friends and colleagues of Mary McGrath is understandably reeling from the tragic events ... .

"The outpouring of support and love to those closest to her has been a moving testament to Mary's warmth and kindness and a reflection of her giving spirit for which we are grateful.

Mary McGrath
(Courtesy photo)

She will be forever missed in our lives."

Police didn't specify a relationship between the victim and suspect, or a motive.

A source close to the case said that Bob Wisdom, the owner of the shop, McGrath and the shooting suspect were roommates at one time, but the suspect and McGrath had a falling out about a year ago.

On Saturday, East of Sweden, 155 Commerce St., was closed. Friends and customers left bouquets of flowers and battery-powered candles at the front door to pay their respects.

Some left notes along with bundles of flowers.

"For Mary, the kindest woman we've had the pleasure of knowing," read one note, which was signed John and Anne Coelho, Saab owners.

Customers and neighboring business owners said McGrath was a kind, professional woman who was behind the front desk at East of Sweden from morning until night. She always brought her dog with her to work, and customers often saw the dog walking the neighborhood or sitting by her side.

Mary Mitchell, owner of neighboring business Broomfield Auto Body, said McGrath was the "right-hand man" of Wisdom, the East of Sweden owner. She would take over the day-to-day operations if Wisdom was out of town.

Wisdom, along with several of McGrath's friends, stopped by the business on Saturday, but did not comment on the tragedy.

Neighboring business owners said McGrath was a friendly face who liked working one-on-one with customers.

Pam and Lee Janssen of Carquest Auto Parts said McGrath ordered parts from their business on a regular basis.

"She was a low-key lady who was great with customers. She didn't have a mean bone in her body," Pam Janssen said.

McGrath was dedicated to her job and was a constant presence at East of Sweden's front desk.

"She was never not there. It didn't matter if I delivered parts at 7:30 a.m. or 4:30 p.m., she was there," Pam Janssen said.

Lee Janssen said Carquest's phone was ringing non-stop Saturday. Customers, neighbors and friends were calling in to find out what happened to McGrath.

"We're all related in this car parts world," he said.

Pam Janssen said Commerce Street is left with lingering questions about the violence that took place on an otherwise-quiet block.

"I hope we all find answers in this," she said.

Commerce Street was open Saturday after being blocked off with police tape just after 2:30 p.m. Friday.

The Adams County Bomb Squad was called to the scene shortly after the suspect's arrest because witnesses indicated there could be bomb in his car.

The bomb squad used a robot to remove what appeared to be a backpack from a red Saab in the parking lot. Something inside the backpack was detonated after it was placed on the street. The explosion did not result in a fire.

Police did not release many details about the detonation, stating only that a "suspicious device from the suspect's vehicle" was detonated.

Mitchell said her store and others on the block were evacuated during the incident. She was out of the office at the time, but her employees told her not to return, because the road was closed and there were reports of a bomb threat.

"I've been here since 1976. This is normally such a quiet street," she said.

Crouch has two previous arrests in Colorado, according to records kept by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation. He was arrested for failing to appear in court for a misdemeanor traffic offense in 1986, and again for criminal mischief in 1989. He received a deferred sentence in the criminal mischief case.

MacIntyre feels Colorado is capable of making run at bowl gameCU BUFFS FALL CAMPWhen: 29 practices beginning Wednesday morning 8:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday practices are open to the media and public next week. Full Story

It didn't take long for Denver music observers to notice Plume Varia. Husband and wife Shon and Cherie Cobbs formed the band only two years ago, but after about a year they started finding themselves on best-of lists and playing the scene's top venues. Full Story